Avoid invasive plant species to protect the ecosystem

FALLBROOK – Intuition may suggest all plants that provide habitats for wildlife and produce oxygen for the atmosphere are good no matter where they are planted; however, non-native plant species that are introduced into areas across North America can pose significant threats to an ecosystem.

Foreign plants can wreak havoc on native plant species and agricultural industries. Scores of plants are aggressively invading certain areas of the country. Invasive species are introduced largely due to human action, such as planting non-native plants. Plants also may be introduced through boating and fishing. Wind and rain may introduce non-native plants to a particular region, while some plants are introduced through animals.

The organization PlayCleanGo.org said that not all non-native plants are harmful and some can be beneficial, but non-native plants that take over and cause severe damage in areas outside of their normal range are considered to be invasive. Efforts must be made to keep invasive species under control, they said.

Gaining awareness of the pathways through which invasive species spread can help people avoid introducing invasive species. Some invasive plants are very attractive and they may be for sale at some garden centers, but such plants should be avoided for the benefit of local ecosystems. In addition, weeds and seeds can be hidden in potting mixes or lawn and garden products and essentially sneak their way into regions where they do not belong.

Homeowners who learn to recognize invasive species can decrease their risk of introducing such plants to their properties. Some common invasive species are garlic mustard, mayweed, Norway maple, yellow rocket, Australian pine, oxeye daisy, Bermuda grass, ground ivy, Chinese privet, cotton thistle, purple loosestrife, Japanese honeysuckle, English ivy, kudzu, autumn olive and paper mulberry.

People can learn more about invasive species by speaking with lawn and garden professionals.